CBRS Insurance Claims Certification Program

For Restoration Contractors: Learn to Maximize Insurance Payouts and Win More Business

Program Overview

What Is CBRS Certification?

CBRS Insurance Claims Certification is a comprehensive training program that teaches restoration contractors to:

✓ Write estimates that get approved by insurance companies ✓ Maximize claim payouts using proper documentation and insurance language ✓ Reduce supplement rejections by 70-85% ✓ Increase average claim size by 50-70% ✓ Win more homeowner business through preferred contractor listing

Result: More revenue per job, faster approvals, happier homeowners who refer you.

Why Get Certified?

Increase Your Average Job Size:

• Non-certified contractors: Average $8,500 per water damage claim
• CBRS-certified contractors: Average $14,200 per water damage claim
• 67% increase in revenue per job

Win More Business:

• Listed in CBRS Certified Contractor Directory
• Homeowners who download our free guides are directed to you
• "CBRS Certified" badge for your website and marketing
• Preferred by homeowners who've been educated on quality standards

Reduce Supplement Headaches:

• Non-certified: 40-50% supplement approval rate
• CBRS-certified: 85-92% supplement approval rate
• Less back-and-forth, faster payment, better cash flow

Professional Development:

• Learn insurance language (Xactimate, IICRC, building codes)
• Understand adjuster perspective and tactics
• Master documentation that sells your scope
• Stay current with changing insurance practices

Certification Levels

Level 1: CBRS Certified - Insurance Claims Specialist

Investment: $997 one-time + $197/year renewal

What You Learn:

• Insurance policy basics (RCV, ACV, coverage types)
• Xactimate fundamentals
• Proper documentation techniques
• Writing supplements that get approved
• Common adjuster objections and how to counter
• IICRC S500/S520 standards
• Building code requirements (IRC)

Format:

• 12-week online course (self-paced)
• 24 video lessons (16+ hours)
• Weekly assignments
• Final exam (80% to pass)
• Certification valid for 1 year

What You Get:

• CBRS Certified badge (for website, truck, marketing)
• Listed in contractor directory
• Access to private contractor community
• Monthly Q&A calls with CBRS experts
• Template library (estimates, supplements, documentation)

Renewal Requirements:

• $197/year
• 6 hours continuing education
• Maintain 4.0+ star rating
• No ethics violations

Level 2: CBRS Master Certified - Insurance Claims Expert

Investment: $1,497 one-time + $297/year renewal

Prerequisites:

• Level 1 certification
• 2+ years experience in restoration
• Minimum 25 completed insurance claims

What You Learn:

• Advanced Xactimate (custom pricing, complex scopes)
• Appraisal process and umpire selection
• Bad faith claim indicators
• Large loss management (>$100K)
• Multi-family and commercial claims
• Working with public adjusters
• Expert witness qualification

Format:

• 8-week advanced course
• 16 video lessons + case studies
• Live coaching calls (4 sessions)
• Final exam + case study presentation
• Certification valid for 1 year

What You Get:

• CBRS Master Certified badge
• Premium listing in directory (top of search results)
• Featured in homeowner email campaigns
• Quarterly strategy calls with CBRS team
• Priority support
• Advanced template library
• Referral fee program (earn 10% for referring other contractors)

Renewal Requirements:

• $297/year
• 12 hours continuing education
• Maintain 4.5+ star rating
• Submit 2 case studies per year

Course Curriculum - Level 1

Module 1: Insurance Fundamentals for Contractors

Lesson 1.1: How Homeowner's Insurance Really Works

• Policy types (HO-1, HO-2, HO-3)
• Coverage A-F breakdown
• RCV vs ACV and the two-check system
• Deductibles and policy limits
• Ordinance or Law coverage (why it matters)

Lesson 1.2: Understanding the Adjuster's Perspective

• Staff vs independent vs CAT adjusters
• How adjusters are compensated (and why it matters)
• What adjusters look for in estimates
• Common denial reasons
• Building rapport with adjusters

Lesson 1.3: Your Role in the Claims Process

• Contractor as homeowner advocate
• When to push back on adjusters
• When to accept adjuster's position
• Ethics and best practices
• Avoiding insurance fraud accusations

Quiz 1 (10 questions, 80% to pass)

Module 2: Xactimate Essentials

Lesson 2.1: Xactimate Basics

• Understanding the interface
• Navigating the pricing database
• Line item structure
• Quantities and measurements
• Waste factors

Lesson 2.2: Writing Accurate Estimates

• Room-by-room approach
• Categorizing damage
• Selecting correct codes
• Pricing considerations
• Common mistakes to avoid

Lesson 2.3: Overhead & Profit

• When O&P applies
• How to calculate and justify
• Adjuster objections to O&P
• Case law supporting O&P
• Documentation required

Assignment 1: Write a complete Xactimate estimate for sample water damage scenario (provided)

Quiz 2 (15 questions, 80% to pass)

Module 3: Proper Documentation

Lesson 3.1: Photo Documentation Strategy

• What to photograph and when
• Camera settings and technique
• Before/during/after progression
• Labeling and organizing photos
• Using photos to support estimates

Lesson 3.2: Moisture Documentation

• Psychrometric readings (temperature, humidity, moisture content)
• Moisture mapping
• Daily drying logs
• Proving dry standard achieved
• Equipment logs (air movers, dehumidifiers)

Lesson 3.3: Damage Documentation

• Category and class of water damage
• Affected vs contaminated materials
• Demolition documentation
• Hidden damage discovery protocol
• Timeline documentation

Assignment 2: Create complete documentation package for sample scenario

Quiz 3 (12 questions, 80% to pass)

Module 4: Writing Winning Supplements

Lesson 4.1: When to Write a Supplement

• Hidden damage discovered during authorized work
• Additional scope due to code requirements
• Items adjuster missed during initial inspection
• Changed conditions (mold growth, etc.)
• Timing considerations

Lesson 4.2: Supplement Structure

• Introductory paragraph (set context)
• Line-by-line breakdown
• Justification for each item (IICRC, code, manufacturer)
• Supporting documentation (photos, readings, references)
• Professional tone and language

Lesson 4.3: Common Supplement Items by Damage Type

Water Damage:

• Antimicrobial treatment (Cat 2-3)
• Insulation R&R (wet, can't dry)
• Baseboard R&R (damaged during demo)
• Moisture barrier (code requirement)
• Texture matching (separate from drywall)
• Paint adjustment (2 coats vs 1)
• HVAC cleaning (if affected)

Fire Damage:

• Soot remediation (walls, ceilings)
• HVAC cleaning (smoke infiltration)
• Odor sealing primer
• Content cleaning
• Thermal fogging
• Ozone treatment

Storm/Wind Damage:

• Underlayment replacement (not just shingles)
• Flashing replacement
• Decking replacement (hidden damage)
• Gutter replacement
• Code upgrades (drip edge, ice & water shield)

Lesson 4.4: Handling Supplement Rejections

• Common rejection reasons
• How to respond professionally
• When to escalate (supervisor, appraisal)
• Documentation to strengthen your case
• Negotiation tactics

Assignment 3: Write 3 supplements for different damage types

Quiz 4 (18 questions, 80% to pass)

Module 5: IICRC Standards & Code Compliance

Lesson 5.1: IICRC S500 - Water Damage Standard

• Categories of water (1, 2, 3)
• Classes of water (1, 2, 3, 4)
• Inspection protocol
• Moisture detection
• Drying goals and dry standard
• Antimicrobial treatment requirements
• Documentation requirements

Lesson 5.2: IICRC S520 - Mold Remediation Standard

• When mold remediation is needed
• Containment requirements
• HEPA filtration
• Removal vs encapsulation
• Post-remediation verification
• Indoor air quality testing

Lesson 5.3: Building Code Essentials (IRC)

• Code upgrade requirements
• Electrical (GFCI, AFCI)
• Plumbing (backflow prevention)
• Framing and structural
• Insulation and vapor barriers
• Egress requirements (windows, doors)
• When to involve engineer

Lesson 5.4: Using Standards to Support Your Estimate

• Citing IICRC in supplements
• Citing building code in supplements
• Manufacturer installation requirements
• Creating bulletproof justifications

Assignment 4: Identify code violations in sample scenario and write justification for upgrades

Quiz 5 (20 questions, 80% to pass)

Module 6: Adjuster Tactics & Countermeasures

Lesson 6.1: Common Adjuster Tactics

• "This is pre-existing damage"
• "That's not covered under the policy"
• "We don't pay for that"
• "You're padding the estimate"
• "Get three bids and send them to us"
• "We only pay Davis-Bacon wages"

Lesson 6.2: Professional Responses

• How to counter each tactic
• When to escalate to supervisor
• Documenting conversations
• Email vs phone communication
• Building rapport while standing firm

Lesson 6.3: Working With Difficult Adjusters

• Recognizing unreasonable adjusters
• When to request different adjuster
• Involving homeowner strategically
• Appraisal as leverage
• Knowing when to walk away

Assignment 5: Role-play scenarios (written responses to adjuster objections)

Quiz 6 (15 questions, 80% to pass)

Module 7: Business Development & Marketing

Lesson 7.1: Using Your Certification

• Adding badge to website
• Marketing to homeowners who value quality
• Explaining certification benefits to homeowners
• Standing out from competition
• Pricing premium for certified services

Lesson 7.2: Working With CBRS-Educated Homeowners

• They know the process (good thing!)
• They expect quality documentation
• They'll check your work against standards
• They refer more business
• Less price shopping, more value shopping

Lesson 7.3: Building Referral Relationships

• CBRS referral program
• Insurance agent relationships
• Realtor relationships
• Property manager relationships
• Past customer referrals

No quiz - final exam covers all modules

Module 8: Ethics & Best Practices

Lesson 8.1: Ethical Boundaries

• What constitutes insurance fraud
• Kickbacks and referral fees (legal issues)
• Representing homeowner vs representing yourself
• When to recommend public adjuster
• When to recommend attorney

Lesson 8.2: CBRS Code of Ethics

• Honesty in estimates and supplements
• Accurate documentation (never falsify)
• Fair pricing
• Quality workmanship
• Timely communication
• Customer service standards

Lesson 8.3: Maintaining Your Certification

• Annual renewal requirements
• Continuing education
• Customer reviews and ratings
• Ethics complaint process
• Losing certification (violations)

No quiz - covered in final exam

Final Exam

Format:

• 100 questions (multiple choice, true/false, short answer)
• 2-hour time limit
• Open book (you can reference course materials)
• 80% required to pass
• Unlimited retakes (but must wait 7 days between attempts)

Content Breakdown:

• Insurance fundamentals: 20 questions
• Xactimate: 15 questions
• Documentation: 15 questions
• Supplements: 25 questions
• IICRC/Code: 15 questions
• Ethics: 10 questions

Pass the exam = Certified!

You'll receive:

• Digital certificate (PDF)
• CBRS Certified badge (logo files)
• Listed in directory within 48 hours
• Welcome packet with marketing materials

Course Curriculum - Level 2 (Master Certified)

Available only to Level 1 certified contractors with 2+ years experience

Module 1: Advanced Xactimate

Lesson 1.1: Custom Pricing

• When Xactimate pricing is too low
• Building custom price lists
• Justifying pricing adjustments
• Market rate documentation
• Regional pricing differences

Lesson 1.2: Complex Scopes

• Large loss estimates (>$100K)
• Multi-story buildings
• Specialty materials (marble, custom woodwork, etc.)
• Historical homes
• ADA compliance issues

Lesson 1.3: Estimate Reviews & Consulting

• Reviewing other contractors' estimates
• Identifying missing items quickly
• Providing consultation to homeowners
• Building estimate review as revenue stream

Module 2: Appraisal Process

Lesson 2.1: Understanding Appraisal

• When appraisal is triggered
• Selecting your appraiser
• Appraiser qualifications
• Umpire selection
• Timeline and costs

Lesson 2.2: Preparing for Appraisal

• Documentation required
• Presenting your case
• Common appraisal mistakes
• Win rate statistics
• Cost-benefit analysis

Lesson 2.3: Serving as an Appraiser

• Appraiser certification requirements
• Building appraisal practice
• Typical fees ($1,500-3,000 per appraisal)
• Ethics and impartiality
• Expert witness qualifications

Module 3: Bad Faith Claims

Lesson 3.1: Recognizing Bad Faith

• Unreasonable delays
• Inadequate investigation
• Improper denial
• Lowball settlements
• Policy misrepresentation
• Documenting bad faith

Lesson 3.2: Your Role in Bad Faith Claims

• When to recommend attorney
• Providing documentation support
• Expert witness testimony
• Contractor liability issues
• Fee arrangements

Module 4: Large Loss Management

Lesson 4.1: Large Loss Differences

• Multi-family buildings
• Commercial properties
• Total losses
• Extended project timelines
• Cash flow management

Lesson 4.2: Working With Public Adjusters

• When PAs are involved
• PA fee structures
• Collaborating vs competing
• Communication protocols
• Protecting your scope

Lesson 4.3: Engineer Involvement

• When engineer required
• Structural evaluations
• Expert reports
• Using engineer reports in supplements
• Engineer fees and reimbursement

Module 5: Advanced Documentation

Lesson 5.1: Thermal Imaging

• FLIR camera operation
• Interpreting thermal images
• Documenting hidden moisture
• Report generation
• Cost-benefit of owning equipment

Lesson 5.2: Indoor Air Quality Testing

• When IAQ testing needed
• Mold testing protocols
• Interpreting lab results
• Post-remediation verification
• Chain of custody

Lesson 5.3: Forensic Investigation

• Determining cause and origin
• Water intrusion source identification
• Fire origin determination
• Wind vs water damage determination
• Expert reports

Module 6: Business Optimization

Lesson 6.1: Estimate Review Service

• Marketing estimate review to contractors
• Pricing structure ($200-500 per estimate)
• Deliverable templates
• Building recurring revenue
• Scaling the service

Lesson 6.2: Contractor Training

• Teaching other contractors
• Building training programs
• Licensing and liability
• Pricing and positioning

Lesson 6.3: Consulting Practice

• Homeowner consulting
• Attorney consulting
• Public adjuster consulting
• Fee structures ($150-300/hour)
• Marketing consulting services

Capstone Project

Create a complete large loss claim package:

• Estimate for $150K+ claim
• Complete documentation (photos, readings, etc.)
• Initial supplement (hidden damage)
• Secondary supplement (code upgrades)
• Appraisal preparation document
• Total project: 40+ hours of work
• Presentation to CBRS review board (video call)
• Must achieve 85%+ score to pass

Template Library

Level 1 Certified Contractors Get:

Estimate Templates:

1. Water damage estimate template (Xactimate)
2. Fire damage estimate template
3. Storm damage estimate template
4. Mold remediation estimate template

Supplement Templates: 5. Water damage supplement template 6. Fire damage supplement template 7. Storm damage supplement template 8. Code upgrade supplement template 9. Hidden damage supplement template

Documentation Templates: 10. Moisture documentation log 11. Daily drying log 12. Equipment log 13. Photo documentation checklist 14. Final inspection report

Communication Templates: 15. Homeowner proposal template 16. Adjuster email templates (10 scenarios) 17. Supplement cover letter 18. Response to rejection letter 19. Appraisal demand letter

Business Templates: 20. Estimate review deliverable template 21. Contractor proposal template 22. Change order template 23. Lien waiver template 24. Certificate of completion

Level 2 Master Certified Contractors Get:

All Level 1 templates PLUS:

Advanced Estimate Templates: 25. Large loss estimate template (>$100K) 26. Multi-family estimate template 27. Commercial property template 28. Custom pricing justification template

Advanced Supplement Templates: 29. Bad faith documentation template 30. Attorney collaboration template 31. Expert witness report template 32. Appraisal preparation package

Consulting Templates: 33. Estimate review report (for homeowners) 34. Estimate review report (for contractors) 35. Consulting proposal template 36. Expert witness fee agreement

Marketing Templates: 37. CBRS Master Certified marketing kit 38. Case study template 39. Before/after presentation template 40. ROI calculator (for homeowners)

Certification Benefits Comparison

Investment & ROI

Level 1 Certification ROI Example

Investment:

• Certification: $997
• Annual renewal: $197
• Total Year 1: $1,194

Return:

• Average job increase: $8,500 → $14,200 = +$5,700 per job
• Jobs needed to break even: 0.21 (less than 1 job!)
• Average contractor does 20-30 insurance jobs per year
• Additional revenue per year: $5,700 × 25 jobs = $142,500
• ROI: 11,836% in Year 1

Even if you only do 5 insurance jobs per year:

• Additional revenue: $5,700 × 5 = $28,500
• ROI: 2,288%

Level 2 Master Certification ROI Example

Investment:

• Master certification: $1,497 (assuming already Level 1)
• Annual renewal: $297
• Total Year 1: $1,794

Return:

• Average job increase: $14,200 → $18,500 = +$4,300 per job
• Plus consulting opportunities: $5,000-15,000/year
• Plus estimate review for other contractors: $3,000-10,000/year
• Plus referral fees from CBRS: $2,000-8,000/year

Conservative estimate:

• Job increases: $4,300 × 20 jobs = $86,000
• Consulting: $5,000
• Estimate reviews: $3,000
• Referrals: $2,000
• Total additional revenue: $96,000
• ROI: 5,252% in Year 1

Enrollment Process

Step 1: Application

Submit application including:

• Business name and contact information
• Contractor license number (verified)
• Years of experience
• Number of insurance claims completed in last 12 months
• 3 professional references
• Certificate of insurance (general liability + workers comp)

Step 2: Background Check

• License verification
• Better Business Bureau check
• Online review check (Google, Yelp, Facebook)
• Insurance verification
• Criminal background check (owners only)

Step 3: Approval & Payment

• Application approved within 5 business days
• Pay certification fee
• Receive course access credentials
• Begin training immediately

Step 4: Complete Training

• 12 weeks to complete Level 1 (self-paced)
• 8 weeks to complete Level 2 (self-paced)
• Can accelerate if desired

Step 5: Pass Exam

• Schedule exam when ready
• Pass with 80%+ score
• Unlimited retakes (7-day wait between attempts)

Step 6: Get Certified

• Digital certificate issued immediately
• Badge files sent within 24 hours
• Directory listing live within 48 hours
• Marketing kit sent within 5 business days

Continuing Education Requirements

Level 1 Certified (6 hours/year)

Choose from:

• Live webinars (CBRS hosts monthly)
• Industry conferences (RIA, IICRC, etc.)
• Manufacturer training (water damage equipment, etc.)
• Online courses (approved list)
• Case study submissions (2 hours credit each)

Proof required:

• Certificate of completion
• Conference badge photo
• Case study writeup

Level 2 Master Certified (12 hours/year)

Choose from:

• All Level 1 options PLUS:
• Speaking at industry events (4 hours credit)
• Publishing articles (2 hours credit each)
• Mentoring new contractors (1 hour credit per month)
• Advanced courses (Xactimate, appraisal, etc.)

PLUS required:

• Submit 2 case studies per year
• Maintain 4.5+ star rating
• Zero ethics violations

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to get certified? A: Level 1 is a 12-week self-paced course. Most contractors complete it in 8-12 weeks. You can accelerate if you dedicate more time. Level 2 is 8 weeks.

Q: What if I fail the exam? A: You can retake it as many times as needed. There's a 7-day wait between attempts. 95% of contractors pass on their first or second attempt.

Q: Do I need IICRC certification first? A: No, but it helps. IICRC covers the technical restoration work. CBRS certification covers the insurance and business side.

Q: Can I lose my certification? A: Yes, if you:

• Don't renew annually
• Drop below 4.0 star rating
• Commit ethics violation (fraud, misrepresentation, etc.)
• Don't complete continuing education

Q: Will insurance companies accept my estimates if I'm certified? A: CBRS certification doesn't guarantee insurance will accept your estimates, but it dramatically increases your approval rate because you're speaking their language and following their standards.

Q: Can I offer estimate review services to other contractors? A: Level 1: No. Level 2: Yes, after completing Advanced Xactimate module.

Q: What's the difference between CBRS and IICRC certification? A: IICRC certifies you know how to DO the work (water extraction, mold remediation, etc.). CBRS certifies you know how to DOCUMENT the work and GET PAID by insurance.

Q: Is there a refund policy? A: Yes. Complete Module 1. If you're not satisfied, email us within 14 days for full refund. After Module 2, no refunds (but you can take as long as you need to complete).

Q: Do you offer group discounts? A: Yes! 3-5 contractors from same company: 10% off. 6-10: 15% off. 11+: 20% off.

Enroll Now

Level 1: CBRS Certified - Insurance Claims Specialist

Investment: $997 one-time + $197/year renewal

[ENROLL IN LEVEL 1]

Level 2: CBRS Master Certified - Insurance Claims Expert

Prerequisites: Level 1 certified + 2 years experience + 25 completed claims

Investment: $1,497 one-time + $297/year renewal

[APPLY FOR LEVEL 2]

Questions?

Email: certification@cbrsgroup.com

Phone: [PHONE NUMBER]

Schedule a Call: [CALENDLY LINK]

We're happy to answer questions and help you decide if certification is right for you.